"Well now, Polly Pepper, you and I must just hurry," said Ben, striding off. "There's that Shakespeare book to get, and that red necktie."
"I know it," said Polly, setting quick little steps beside his long ones, "and we mustn't be out late, because Jasper will wake up and might want us."
"I don't believe Papa Doctor will let us up there to see Jasper again to-day," said Ben, grimly, as he strode on.
"Why, we didn't hurt Jasper, being up there this morning," said Polly, in a surprised tone; "Papa Fisher said so; you know he did, Ben."
"That may be," said Ben, "but all the same I don't believe we'll be allowed up there again this afternoon."
"You know Papa Fisher said we had done Jasper good," persisted Polly, trotting along briskly by Ben's side, "so there, Ben Pepper."
"I know that," said Ben, with a nod. "But Papa Fisher always lets well enough alone. And you and I won't be invited up there again this afternoon, I tell you that, Polly Pepper. All the same, we must hurry, because Mamsie wants us home early."
"So she does," said Polly, almost breaking into a run.
"Hold on," said Ben, catching her sleeve, "don't race like that through the streets; it isn't proper."
"I do so wish," said Polly, flourishing her little bundles, "that it was ever proper to run in the street."